Blenheim Palace has teamed up with London design studio Ilex Studio to produce a limited-edition Acorn Vase — an innovative piece of living art that invites people to cultivate their very own oak tree from an acorn sourced directly from the Oxfordshire estate’s historic grounds.
The collaboration blends heritage and contemporary design, allowing admirers of the UNESCO World Heritage Site to bring a tangible piece of its landscape into their homes. The minimalist glass vase serves not just as a decorative object, but also as a magnifying vessel through which the natural transformation of an acorn into a sapling can be observed in intricate detail.
Each Acorn Vase will be supplied with an acorn collected from the estate’s ancient woodlands, alongside step-by-step instructions on how to germinate and plant it. A complementary booklet provides insight into Blenheim’s centuries-old oak trees, which have long been part of the estate’s identity and conservation work. The special edition vases will be available in two colours and priced at £35.
James Hunter, Rural Estate Manager at Blenheim Palace, explained how the idea for the partnership grew from personal experience. “Having been gifted my own Acorn Vase a couple of years ago and taking a Blenheim acorn last year to grow my own at home, I thought this collaboration would give others a unique chance to grow their own piece of The Blenheim Estate at home as our oaks don’t usually leave the grounds of the estate,” he said.
Hunter added that each vase contains one of the thousands of acorns gathered annually by the estate’s forestry team. “Each vase contains one of the thousands of acorns which we usually gather, plant and grow on every year in our nursery to become the ancient oaks of the future,” he said. “We love how the vases allow you to watch the growing process in such detail and by the time the acorn is ‘used up’ you have your very own little sapling – they will make for a very special gift or souvenir of a visit to Blenheim Palace.”
The collaboration highlights Blenheim Palace’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its efforts to engage the public in the preservation of natural heritage. The estate’s oak trees — some more than 300 years old — play a vital role in its ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and providing a living link to Britain’s historic landscape.
For Ilex Studio, the project aligns perfectly with its ethos of merging design and ecology. The company has earned a reputation for creating elegant, functional glassware that brings people closer to the natural growth processes of trees and plants.
Co-founder Ed Spurr expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the cultural and ecological significance of Blenheim’s woodlands. “We are delighted to collaborate with Blenheim Palace. At Ilex Studio, our mission is to share a love of oak trees, and Blenheim’s ancient oaks – some of the oldest in Europe — are an important part of both the Palace’s history and our wider natural heritage,” he said.
The Blenheim Acorn Vase initiative encourages a hands-on approach to conservation and history, giving individuals the chance to participate in a centuries-old cycle of growth. As the acorn germinates, the vase magnifies each stage — from root formation to the first tender leaves — offering a unique window into the life of one of Britain’s most symbolic trees.
For visitors and supporters of Blenheim Palace, the limited-edition vase offers both an educational experience and a meaningful keepsake. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the initiative stands as a reminder of the enduring relationship between design, heritage, and the natural world.
Further information about the Blenheim Acorn Vase and purchasing details can be found at www.blenheimpalace.com/estate/acorn-vase/.
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